The JNTO’s Yuka Suzuki with Shin Kawai from the Toronto office of Tokyo tourism
With 123 million people in a country just over half the size of Manitoba, you’d think Japan was all about massive cities and urban sprawl. That’s true – in part.
But is also offers extraordinary opportunities to connect with ancient culture and nature in its wildest form.
This was the theme of an event for travel writers held at Toronto’s classic Royal Ontario Museum on 11JUN. Hosted by the Japan National Tourism Organization and Tokyo Tourism, the event left guests marvelling at the contrasts and unexpected opportunities for visitors.
And clearly that’s the message that Canadian travel advisors are conveying to their clients: some 580,000 of us visited Japan last year, a 36% increase year over year. “The average stay for Canadians is 10 days,” Priscilla Portsmouth, the JNTO’s Senior Assistant Manager explained to Open Jaw. “And the majority are tourists, rather than business travellers.”
Priscilla Portsmouth of the JNTO’s Toronto office
The organization is keen to promote off-the-beaten-path destinations such as, for example, Kanazawa over Kyoto (which for all its charms can be said to be suffering from overtourism, the way Barcelona and Venice are).
“We actively encourage visitors to explore across the country and experience the cuisine, rich local culture and breathtaking natural landscapes,” Yuka Suzuki, Executive Director of the JNTO said.
A presentation by Canadian journalist and former resident of Japan Adam Waxman showcased the dazzling diversity for visitors to Japan. Clients can stay overnight in a temple. Learn about ninjas and samurais (and dress like one) at Edo Wonderland. Spend their entire vacation learning about ceramics. Visit the most immaculate, impeccable gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art. “Perfection!”
Authentic treats provided by Ki Restaurant
Active clients? White water rafting, cycling in national parks, ice-floe hiking and serious surfing. Rejuvenating time in a forest – known as forest bathing – which is a big deal in Japan. And, yes it snows (skiers claim it has the best powder in the world).
Greater Tokyo alone (pop. 40 million plus) has an entire district devoted to curry restos. The Akihabara neighbourhood is known for its electronics, anime, manga, and otaku culture. This year, Expo 2025 runs to October 13 in Osaka. The massive show, with pavilions from 30 countries around the world (including Canada) and a central theme of Life features spectacular installations and displays, live performances and events.
Lift to Japan is certainly no problem with Canada with service, for example, on AC from YVR daily to NRT (Narita) and HND (Haneda) plus 4 X weekly to KIX (Osaka); YYZ daily to NRT and HND plus 3 X weekly to KIX; and YUL daily to NRT.
The presentation featured iconic images of Japan
Ground transportation includes the famous bullet trains; and if clients express interest in renting a car, remind them that the driving is on the left (like the UK).
The evening of learning and discovery was complemented by catering provided by Toronto’s Ki restaurant, which specializes in sake. Serving 20 versions of the Japanese rice wine, the country’s national beverage, it is the place to go for an authentic taste of Japan.
The JNTO’s tagline Japan. Endless Discovery clearly is more than fitting for a such an astonishing array of tourism options. But warn your clients that 10 days might not be long enough.
AloJapan.com